Juvenile Crimes

Exploring the Juvenile "Criminal" Process

Juvenile delinquency can include everything from an eighth grader skipping school to a child shoplifting from a neighborhood retailer, to a 17-year-old committing murder. Whenever children under the age of 18 (minors) are accused of committing crimes, they are dealt with (at least initially) by the juvenile justice system in the state in which they live.

Incorrigibility: Juvenile Laws

The law treats crimes committed by children very differently than adults. Criminal acts by juveniles—people under the age of 18—are dealt with through the juvenile justice system instead of the criminal justice system.

Who Decides to Try a Juvenile as an Adult?

In most states, when children are accused of criminal acts, the case most often is addressed in a juvenile court and not in the adult criminal court system. All states, however, have provisions that allow or require the courts to treat juveniles in certain cases as adults.

Juvenile Curfew Laws

When children, particularly teenagers, congregate in large groups, it tends to make adults nervous. It's also the cause of many curfew laws and ordinances that restrict juveniles from being in public places at certain hours. Curfew laws are very common, especially in cities, though some states have adopted statewide curfew laws as well. Not all cities or states have curfew laws or ordinances, and restrictions can differ significantly.

Juvenile Simple Assault

A juvenile can be charged with simple assault for injuring another person, threatening to or attempting to injure another person or even making another person afraid. In this day and age, fights, threats, and roughhousing that were once considered a part of growing up can lead to serious criminal charges.

Juvenile Weapons Possession

All states limit the right to purchase, own, or possess weapons to some extent, though restrictions differ widely. States commonly make it a crime to possess specific types of weapons, to possess weapons in specified locations, or to use weapons in a prohibited manner. When juveniles illegally possesses weapons, they can be charged just like an adult would.

Runaway Teenagers

Here are common questions about legal problems for the child who runs away, the child’s parents, and any other adult who might become involved with the child by, for example, allowing the child to stay in their home.

Teen Sexting Laws and Penalties

Learn how different states penalize sexting by and between teens. Typically, adults who sext minors and teens will face harsher penalties than juveniles.

Truancy Among Teens

Children have different rights and obligations under the law than adults. The law recognizes that children, or juveniles, are still developing, and until they reach adult age they must comply with laws that are slightly different than those which apply to adults.

Fake ID: Laws and Penalties

While getting caught with a fake ID might seems inconsequential, learn how consequential a conviction can be.

Juvenile Theft and Burglary Laws

All states criminalize theft and burglary, and a juvenile who commits these offenses can face charges similar to those an adult would face. The more serious the offense is, the more serious the penalties can be for the minor.

Juvenile Vandalism: Laws and Penalties

The crime of vandalism, sometimes called malicious mischief, criminal mischief, or property damage, occurs whenever someone intentionally damages property that belongs to someone else. Juvenile vandalism is any vandalism performed by a person under the age of 18.

Juvenile Shoplifting Penalties

A juvenile who shoplifts commits the same offense as an adult who shoplifts, but the matter will be handled much differently. Minors charged with crimes go to juvenile court, not adult criminal court.

Minor in Possession of Alcohol

Minor in possession laws (sometimes called underage drinking laws) target sales of alcohol to minors and public possession of alcohol by minors.

Juvenile Drug Possession

Just like adults, juveniles who illegally possess drugs are in violation of the law. Minors under 18 will typically face their drug possession charges in juvenile delinquency court. Learn what penalties judges typically order in juvenile drug possession cases.

Underage DUI/DWI Laws & Penalties

Learn the basics of underage DUI/DWI laws and penalties including information in your state.

Parents' Civil Liability for a Child's Acts

From Brian Wilson’s “Little Deuce Coupe” to the Boss’s “Pink Cadillac,” teenagers and automobiles have always gone together like Prince and platform shoes. Once those teenagers grow up and become parents, they find that the iconic American pairing of kids and cars can lead to a lot of heartache, including lawsuits.

Parental Responsibility for a Child's Criminal Actions

Each state imposes legal responsibility on parents and legal guardians for the delinquent and criminal acts of minors in their charge.

Can A Judge Order My Child to Testify in a Criminal Case?

Children who are witnesses to or victims of crimes may be ordered to testify in criminal cases. Generally, judges decide on a case-by-case basis whether a child is competent (qualified) to testify. But, even if a child is subpoenaed (ordered) to testify and found competent, there are steps the court